Problematic social networking site use in Turkey: A large-scale national survey study

The current research landscape has witnessed a marked increase in investigations concerning problematic social networking site use (PSNSU). However, prior studies exploring the prevalence and determinants of PSNSU have predominantly relied on limited and diverse participant samples. To address this gap, the present study examined the measurement dimensions and psychological correlates-namely psychiatric distress, alexithymia, attachment, and wellbeing-of PSNSU within a large number of Turkish community individuals (N=24,380, 50% men, Mage=31.79 years, SD=10.86). Participants completed a survey comprising psychometric scales regarding the aforementioned variables. Utilizing item response theory, 2.8% of the participants were found to exhibit susceptibility to PSNSU. Hierarchical regression analysis showed significant positive associations between PSNSU and factors including younger age, single marital status, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, psychiatric distress, affective states, and attachment styles. These findings underscore the importance of research regarding PSNSU among individuals in the Turkish community and highlights the involvement of various socio-demographic and adverse psychological factors in driving this problematic behavior.